The Reparations Committee of the Episcopal Diocese of Long Island is now accepting applications for the 2026 Barbara C. Harris Scholars Program for Truth and Reparations, offering scholarships to descendants of enslaved African people residing in Brooklyn, Queens, Nassau, and Suffolk Counties.
Since 2022, this program has honored the legacy of the Right Reverend Barbara C. Harris (1930–2020)—the first female bishop in the Episcopal Church and the worldwide Anglican Communion, and a descendant of enslaved African people—by providing financial support that helps students pursue higher education or vocational and trade training, while fostering their educational growth, leadership development, and preparation for meaningful careers.
Scholarship Opportunities:
- Barbara C. Harris Scholars Program for Truth and Reparations Scholarship
A $5,000 award for students pursuing undergraduate studies at an accredited college or university. Applicants must demonstrate academic achievement, leadership, community involvement, and a commitment to continuing education.
- Barbara C. Harris Scholars Program for Truth and Reparations Occupational/Vocational/Trade Scholarship
A $5,000 award supporting students enrolled in accredited vocational, occupational, or trade programs, including but not limited to culinary arts, IT, cosmetology, medical or dental assistance, carpentry, plumbing, and construction.
Eligibility Requirements:
To be eligible for the scholarships, applicants must:
- Be of Black, African American, or Caribbean American descent and directly descended from enslaved African people
- Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- Reside within the Episcopal Diocese of Long Island (Brooklyn, Queens, Nassau, and Suffolk counties)
- Be starting, or continuing post-secondary education or vocational/trade training
Please note: Applicants do not need to be Episcopalian or affiliated with any religious institution.
Application Deadline
All applications and letters of recommendation must be received by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on April 30, 2026. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
Please note: A free Google (Gmail) account is required to complete this application, if you do not have one, you may create one by clicking here.
Apply for Undergraduate Harris Scholarship Apply for Harris Vocational Scholarship
Award Presentation
The Rt. Rev. Lawrence C. Provenzano, Bishop of Long Island, will present the $5,000 scholarships at the annual diocesan Juneteenth Celebration at the Cathedral of the Incarnation in Garden City on Saturday, June 20, 2026.
Further details on the celebration are forthcoming.
Contact
For questions regarding the application process, email the Reparations Committee at reparations@dioceseli.org with the subject line: "BCH Scholarship Question."
About the Reparations Committee of the Episcopal Diocese of Long Island:
The Reparations Committee, a subcommittee of the Long Island Diocesan Council, was formed in the fall of 2021in response to the Episcopal Church’s commitment “to become a transformed, anti-racist church and to work toward healing, reconciliation, and a restoration of wholeness to the family of God.” Its mission is to strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being. At the request of Bishop Lawrence C. Provenzano, the Committee established the Barbara C. Harris Scholars Program to foster equity in education and support the advancement of Black, African American, and Caribbean American students who are descendants of enslaved people.